baby teether · teething ·3월 15, 2025

Why Newborns Need Teethers: A Key Tool for Teething Comfort

The teething phase is a significant milestone in every baby’s life, but it can also be a challenging time—for both the baby and their parents. During this period, a baby’s first set of teeth, known as primary teeth, begin to emerge through their gums. This process, while completely natural, often causes discomfort, irritability, and even sleepless nights. Enter the teether—a simple yet incredibly effective tool that can make a world of difference for your little one. Here's why teethers are essential during the teething stage and how they can help ease the journey.

Understanding the Teething Process

Teething usually begins between 4 and 7 months of age, though it can vary from baby to baby. As the teeth push through the gums, babies often experience symptoms such as:

Swollen, tender gums
Excessive drooling
A strong urge to chew on objects
Irritability or fussiness
Trouble sleeping

The pressure and pain caused by emerging teeth can be distressing for newborns, and they’ll instinctively try to find ways to alleviate the discomfort. This is where teethers step in as a highly beneficial solution.

Why Teethers Are Important for Newborns

1. Provides Soothing Relief Teethers are designed to massage a baby’s tender gums, relieving the pressure caused by erupting teeth. The gentle pressure of biting or chewing on a teether can help soothe swollen gums, giving babies much-needed relief.

2. Reduces Discomfort Safely Unlike other household objects that babies might chew on, teethers are made from safe, non-toxic materials specifically designed for teething. This ensures that your baby can alleviate their discomfort without being exposed to harmful chemicals or choking hazards.

3. Encourages Healthy Oral Development Chewing on a teether strengthens the muscles in your baby’s jaw and prepares them for more complex oral movements, such as chewing solid food and forming words. This early exercise can contribute to healthy oral and speech development.

4. Keeps Babies Occupied Teethers serve as a distraction, keeping babies entertained and engaged. A happy, occupied baby means a less stressed parent—a win-win for everyone involved.

5. Helps with Motor Skill Development Using a teether requires coordination, which helps babies develop their fine motor skills. Grasping, holding, and manoeuvring a teether teaches valuable hand-eye coordination and control.

Choosing the Right Teether

When selecting a teether for your newborn, consider the following factors:

Material: Opt for BPA-free silicone, natural rubber, or wood teethers that are safe for your baby to chew on.
Design: Look for teethers with different textures to stimulate gums and engage your baby. Some teethers even come in fun, playful shapes like animals or fruit.
Functionality: Many teethers can be chilled in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect, which can provide additional comfort for sore gums.
Hygiene: Choose teethers that are easy to clean and maintain, as they’ll spend a lot of time in your baby’s mouth.

Conclusion

Teething is an inevitable phase in your baby’s development, but it doesn’t have to be a painful one. Teethers offer a safe, effective, and comforting solution to help ease the discomfort of teething while also supporting healthy oral development. By choosing the right teether, you can make this stage a little easier for your baby—and for yourself. Embrace the journey, knowing you’re providing your little one with the tools they need to grow and thrive.